Learn how to write an IT cover letter that showcases your skills, achievements, and fit for the job, using some tips and examples.

Ensure you make a note of the essential and desirable criteria and provide evidential responses to them all. You're not always expected to meet 100% of the criteria, so for any you don't wholly meet - don't panic! Just state why you haven't been able to develop that skill yet, but that you're keen and willing to learn. When you provide cover letter or interview examples, include both professional examples and personal examples. All too often, I've seen people not mention voluntary or charity work because it's not "an actual job" but it's still worth mentioning - it says a lot of positive things about who you are as a person.

How can you write an IT cover letter that highlights your value and fit?

Writing an IT cover letter can be challenging, especially if you want to stand out from the crowd and showcase your skills, achievements, and fit for the job. A cover letter is not just a summary of your resume, but a chance to tell a compelling story about why you are the best candidate for the role. In this article, you will learn how to write an IT cover letter that highlights your value and fit, using some tips and examples.

1 Research the company and the job

Before you start writing your cover letter, you need to do some research on the company and the job you are applying for. This will help you tailor your cover letter to the specific needs and expectations of the employer, and show that you have done your homework. You can use the company website, social media, news articles, or industry reports to find out more about the company's mission, vision, values, culture, goals, challenges, and achievements. You can also use the job description, or contact the hiring manager or someone who works there, to find out more about the role, the skills, the responsibilities, and the benefits of working there.

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2 Start with a strong introduction

The introduction of your cover letter is your first impression, and you want to make it count. You need to grab the attention of the reader, and make them want to read more. You can do this by using a catchy hook, such as a question, a statistic, a quote, or a personal anecdote. You also need to introduce yourself, and state the position you are applying for. You can also mention how you found out about the job, and why you are interested in working for the company.

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3 Highlight your value and fit

The main body of your cover letter is where you showcase your value and fit for the job. You need to demonstrate how your skills, experience, and achievements match the requirements and expectations of the role, and how you can contribute to the company's success. You can use specific examples, numbers, metrics, or testimonials to back up your claims, and show the impact of your work. You can also use keywords and phrases from the job description, to show that you understand what the employer is looking for. You can use a simple formula to structure your paragraphs: situation, task, action, and result (STAR).

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Mollie C.

Head of Cyber Defence | Chief Advisor at Women in Cybersecurity UKI | InfoSec Europe Advisory Council Member
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Ensure you make a note of the essential and desirable criteria and provide evidential responses to them all. You're not always expected to meet 100% of the criteria, so for any you don't wholly meet - don't panic! Just state why you haven't been able to develop that skill yet, but that you're keen and willing to learn. When you provide cover letter or interview examples, include both professional examples and personal examples. All too often, I've seen people not mention voluntary or charity work because it's not "an actual job" but it's still worth mentioning - it says a lot of positive things about who you are as a person.

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Liz Dowie

Senior Technology Management Professional
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I always read cover letters. The hook is important, and the way it is written gives me a glimpse of the candidate's communication style. Resumes are great, but I find just as much benefit in reading about that little bit extra that the cover letter offers. Be yourself when you write your cover letter, and tie your example(s) to what the posting lists as key requirements. It's you chance to add more relevant detail about how you are the right person for the job. Consider it as supporting material to your overall pitch to the recruiter or hiring manager.

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4 Show your enthusiasm and personality

The final part of your cover letter is where you show your enthusiasm and personality, and express your interest in working for the company. You need to show that you are passionate about the IT field, and that you are eager to learn and grow with the company. You can also show some of your personal traits, values, or hobbies, that align with the company's culture, and make you a good fit for the team. You can also mention some of the company's achievements, products, or initiatives, that you admire or relate to.

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Mollie C.

Head of Cyber Defence | Chief Advisor at Women in Cybersecurity UKI | InfoSec Europe Advisory Council Member
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Have a think about what makes you stand out... Are you a fantastic communicator? Describe why Are you highly driven or organised? Why? Are you innovative and creative? Show me Do you approach things in a different way to others? How?

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5 End with a call to action

The last sentence of your cover letter is where you end with a call to action, and invite the reader to contact you for an interview. You need to thank the reader for their time and consideration, and express your confidence in your suitability for the role. You can also suggest a specific time or date for a follow-up, or ask a question that shows your interest in the job. You can also include your contact details, such as your phone number, email address, or LinkedIn profile.

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Tobias Schümann

Helping companies navigate tech | Tech is for everyone 🤖
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At the end, you can place your absolute highlight. Do you have something very special to offer? Place it here, make a statement. Leave the reader no doubt that you are the perfect candidate. Add a short call to action and your cover letter is perfect.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you write an IT cover letter that highlights your value and fit?

1

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3

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1 Research the company and the job

2 Start with a strong introduction

3 Highlight your value and fit

4 Show your enthusiasm and personality

5 End with a call to action

6 Here’s what else to consider

Information Technology

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How can you write an IT cover letter that highlights your value and fit?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Research the company and the job

2 Start with a strong introduction

3 Highlight your value and fit

4 Show your enthusiasm and personality

5 End with a call to action

6 Here’s what else to consider

Information Technology

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